{"id":202771,"date":"2026-04-19T21:00:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T21:00:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/202771\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T21:00:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T21:00:08","slug":"york-college-leads-a-powerful-day-of-inclusion-culture-and-advocacy-across-cuny-york-college-city-university-of-new-york","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/202771\/","title":{"rendered":"York College Leads a Powerful Day of Inclusion, Culture, and Advocacy Across CUNY – York College \/ City University of New York"},"content":{"rendered":"

York College of the City University of New York (CUNY) brought its mission of access, equity, and belonging to life this past Tuesday (April 14) through a dynamic day of programming that connected celebration, culture, and advocacy across campuses.<\/p>\n

From the Atrium at York to a city-wide stage at Queens College, students were not just participants. They were leaders, advocates, and driving forces behind meaningful engagement.<\/p>\n

\"CSDA Vibrant Kickoff Rooted in Student Leadership<\/p>\n

\"York<\/p>\n

The day began at York College with the kickoff of CUNY Disability Awareness Month, hosted by CCSD@York in collaboration with the Student Government Association, the York Student Occupational Therapy Association (YSOTA) in recognition of Occupational Therapy Awareness Month, Student Wellness and Resources, and co-sponsored by YC Radio. Berlan Dorismond, SGA Events Coordinator, partnered with CCSD@York and YSOTA to bring this effort to life.<\/p>\n

Dr. Karen Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs, welcomed Dr. Denise Maybank, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, CUNY, alongside\u00a0Charmaine\u00a0Townsell, Senior Director of Student Wellness and Resources, who greeted Vice Chancellor Maybank and helped set a warm, student-centered tone.<\/p>\n

University leadership included Raymond Perez, University Director of Disability Programs, CUNY, reinforcing the University\u2019s commitment to disability inclusion.<\/p>\n

Student leadership remained at the center, with Akkeem Polack, University Student Senate Chair and CUNY Student Trustee, representing more than 240,000 students, and Luis \u201cJunior\u201d Alvarez, Chair of the CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities, representing over 14,000 students with disabilities across CUNY, both proud York College students.<\/p>\n

The program featured student-led facilitation, recognition of Dr. Clover Hutchinson and the Office of Student Activities, and a dynamic performance by the ZCO Dance Project. Accessibility remained central, with sign language interpretation and audience engagement.<\/p>\n

In a standout moment, Dr. Maybank joined students on the dance floor, reinforcing a culture of connection, joy, and belonging.<\/p>\n

The Student Wellness and Resources team (Center for Students with Disabilities, Women’s Center for Gender Justice, Health Services, Counseling Services, and Veteran Services) was present throughout, tabling and connecting with students to share critical resources and opportunities.<\/p>\n

The celebration continued with Student Government Association Multicultural Week programming, where the Sovereign Dance Club carried the energy forward.<\/p>\n

From Celebration to Advocacy\"York<\/p>\n

York College\u2019s Center for Students with Disabilities continued the day at the \u201cLeaders Who Inspire\u201d event at Queens College, featuring New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, with New York City Council Member James Gennaro also in attendance.<\/p>\n

Students elevated a critical issue: a 25 percent increase in students with disabilities across CUNY and the need for 1.9 million dollars in additional funding to support essential services.<\/p>\n

Student leaders directly asked whether the City would support this investment, underscoring its impact on their success. Speaker Menin acknowledged the importance of continued support and partnership.<\/p>\n

Special thanks to James Vacca for hosting this important conversation.<\/p>\n

A Defining Moment for York College<\/p>\n

These moments reflect York College\u2019s broader commitment to centering student voice, advancing disability culture, and strengthening collaboration across CUNY.<\/p>\n

From York College to Queens College, the message was clear.<\/p>\n

York students are leading, and York College continues to ensure they have the platform to do it.<\/p>\n

For more highlights and photos from this exciting day, visit the Center for Students with Disabilities on Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Apr 19, 2026 4:41 AM